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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sian Elvin and Dan Haygarth

Train delays across UK after National Rail confirms nationwide issue

A signalling problem affecting the rail network has caused train delays across the UK this afternoon.

Issues with communication systems in several areas meant train services may be delayed, National Rail warned just after 1pm on Tuesday.

Disruption is expected until at least 6pm, it later added in an update.

Passengers on the Elizabeth line, London Overground and Great Western Railway, among others nationwide, could be affected.

National Rail said in its initial statement: “Various signalling centres are reporting issues with the radio system which enables drivers to connect with the signaller. Network Rail staff are investigating.

“Trains can continue to run but may have to run at a reduced speed, which will cause some extended journey times.”

Just before 2pm, National Rail said the issues had been resolved and services would return to normal. However, disruption is still expected until around 6pm.

At around 3.45pm, it said Elizabeth Line services were returning to normal but were still running with delays.

National Rail added: “Various signalling centres reported issues earlier today with the radio system which enables drivers to connect with the signaller. This was promptly resolved but trains may still be delayed or altered as normal service resumes.”

According to National Rail, train operators affected include: Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Elizabeth line, Great Western Railway, Hull Trains, LNER, London Northwestern Railway, London Overground, Lumo, Northern, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express, West Midlands Railway.

Avanti said that if your train is cancelled, your ticket is valid on one of the two of its services immediately before your booked train, or one of the two immediately after.

Great Western said ticket acceptance is in place with CrossCountry on certain routes and with Transport for Wales between Cheltenham Spa, Gloucester, Severn Tunnel Junction, Newport and Carmarthen via Cardiff Central and Swansea.

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